Horse Racing News
Phearson's bad luck with barriers continues in the Winter Challenge
Another wide alley awaits Phearson this weekend, but trainer Brad Widdup isn’t throwing in the towel—he says the tough luck map masks how well the horse is going and expects a bold run with the right breaks. The veteran seven-year-old has been forced to drift back from awkward draws in both...
Honest gelding perfect Choice for trainer Richard Litt
It took some trial and error, but trainer Richard Litt says the penny has finally dropped with Romeo’s Choice—and the durable campaigner now heads to Rosehill with confidence for Saturday’s Schweppes Sprint (1100m). Fresh from a strong first-up win on July 2 at Warwick Farm, the gelding returns in search of...
Jake Noonan has faith in Bold Soul in the 2025 Flemington Cup
Patrick and Michelle Payne will again call on Jake Noonan to steer Bold Soul in the marathon Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, and the jockey is keen to repay the stable’s confidence with a winning ride. The rising five-year-old shares fond memories with Noonan: together they...
Figures reveal racing’s boost to SA economy
Thoroughbred racing in South Australia continues to make a significant economic impact, with a new report revealing it contributed $515.4 million to the state economy in FY2024. That figure marks a 14.2% increase over the previous year and reflects the growing importance of the sport, which now supports 3,462 full-time equivalent...
Secret out to show his class at Flemington
Bold Secret is set to debut at Flemington this Saturday, and for Phillip Stokes, it’s more than just another race – it’s a continuation of a long-running association with a cherished bloodline. The VRC Member Sarah Hart Trophy will mark the first raceday appearance for the Brazen Beau colt, who has...
Firm track not ideal for Touristic in the 2025 Grafton Cup
Trainer Peter Snowden is keeping his options open for Touristic’s return to the Grafton Cup (2350m), with dry weather conditions casting doubt over the gelding’s participation on Thursday. Touristic ran a brave second in the same race last year and was set for another shot at the staying feature, but firm...
With Your Blessing primed for Rosehill Sprint
With Your Blessing is set to resume his racing campaign at Rosehill this weekend, aiming to build on his impressive form from earlier in the year. He lines up in the Schweppes Sprint (1100m), marking his first run since a narrow second-place finish in the Group 2 Liverpool City Cup (1300m)...
Blake Shinn edges closer to another Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership
Battling a virus but riding with trademark determination, Blake Shinn stretched his advantage over Craig Williams in the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership with a three-win performance at Sandown on Wednesday. The 37-year-old rider struck in the opening events and added a third success later in the meeting, creating a seven-win buffer over...
Jeff Dunn celebrates breakthrough stakes success in 2025 Ramornie Handicap
Jeff Dunn’s journey from show-ring stunt rider to stakes‑winning racehorse trainer reached a new peak when Sha Of Gomer powered to victory in the Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton. The former Australian Outback Spectacular performer has been training a small team in recent seasons, and Wednesday’s feature country sprint delivered his...
Jockey battle heats up at Sandown races
With the 2024/25 season nearing its close, Craig Williams and Blake Shinn are locked in a close fight for the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership, separated by just four wins. Both riders resumed from their respective layoffs at Sandown last week, with Williams notching a winner to reduce Shinn’s earlier eight-win lead. He...